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We are looking for a brilliant communications professional to join the HM Prison and Probation (HMPPS) communications team in the Ministry of Justice to lead communications for the Prison Reform Portfolio.
The Prison Reform Portfolio is a large programme that will transform prisons, delivering a step-change in performance and culture, and ensuring they are recognised as an essential public service that provides a humane and rehabilitative culture. Accelerated adoption of technology will enhance services, change the way our staff work and improve operational efficiency. Through proactive collaboration with internal and external partners we will design and implement solutions that have long term impact. Our staff will be the best they can be, motivated and empowered to provide outstanding delivery for those in our care and the public we serve.
Your role will be to lead the strategic and internal communications for the programme working hand in hand with the MoJ press office. Working to the Head of Prison and Youth Custody Communications, you will bring rigour and coherence to all communications relating to the Reform Programme. This role has a strong focus on internal communications and engagement but also encompasses campaigns, stakeholder management, digital and operational comms.
We are looking for a strong leader with demonstrable experience of leading communications for large and / or complex projects or programmes. Experience of delivering internal communication campaigns in large and / or operational organisations is desirable.
This role will require close working with teams across MoJ’s Communications and Information Directorate and HM Prison Service. As a senior member of the HMPPS communications team you will be expected to play a key role in shaping the direction and positive culture of the team, and you will hold oversight for the work of a team of communications specialists.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Communications - Research, develop and deliver the strategic communications strategy for the Prison Reform Portfolio including measurable objectives
- Insight – work with colleagues in MOJ and HMPPS to gather data and audience insight to build an evidence base
- Campaigns – develop and deliver creative campaigns based on audience insight that build engagement and delivers behaviour change
- Channel management and development – build understanding about which channels work best for our target audiences for this area, and use these most effectively
- Engagement and events – develop communications channels, and run events, that allow staff and other key stakeholders to feed their views into the programme and ensure staff and other key stakeholders are kept up to date with latest developments
- Lead a large series of staff engagement events ensuring a good spread of representation from a geographically spread staff group
- Editorial – Draft or commission and approve copy and creative content as appropriate
- Governance - active member of relevant project boards. Provides professional communications advice and responsible for all communications output on this project.
- Resources – line manage 1 x communications manager plus oversight of the work of others who support communications for the programme
Competencies and Strengths
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
1. Communicating and Influencing - Communicate in a straightforward, honest and engaging manner, choosing appropriate styles to maximise understanding and impact. Encourage the use of different communication methods, including digital resources and highlight the benefits, including ensuring cost effectiveness. Ensure communication has a clear purpose and takes into account people’s individual needs. Share information as appropriate and check understanding. Show positivity and enthusiasm towards work, encouraging others to do the same. Ensure that important messages are communicated with colleagues and stakeholders respectfully, taking into consideration the diversity of interests.
2. Working Together - Encourage joined up teamwork within own team and across other groups. Establish professional relationships with a range of stakeholders. Collaborate with these to share information, resources and support. Invest time to develop a common focus and genuine positive team spirit where colleagues feel valued and respect one another. Put in place support for the wellbeing of individuals within the team, including consideration of your own needs. Make it clear to all team members that bullying, harassment and discrimination are unacceptable. Actively seek and consider input of people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
3. Managing a Quality Service- Develop, implement, maintain and review systems and services to ensure delivery of professional excellence. Work with stakeholders to set priorities, objectives and timescales. Successfully deliver high quality outcomes that meet the customers’ needs and gives value for money. Identify risks and resolve issues efficiently. Involve a diverse range of colleagues, stakeholders and delivery partners in developing suggestions for improvements. Establish ways to find and respond to feedback from customers about the services provided.
4. Developing Self and Others
Prioritise and role-model continuous self-learning and development. Identify areas individuals and teams need to develop in order to achieve future objectives. Support colleagues to take responsibility for their own learning and development. Ensure that development opportunities are available for all individuals regardless of their background or desire to achieve promotion. Ensure individuals take full advantage of learning and development opportunities available to them, including workplace based learning. Encourage discussions within and between teams to learn from each other’s experiences and change organisational plans and processes accordingly.
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles.
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity.
There is a guaranteed interview scheme (GIS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
Eligibility
Staff on fixed term appointments must have been recruited through fair and open competition.
Contact information
If you require any assistance please call 0845 010 3512 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail Moj-recruitment@noms.gsi.gov.uk Please quote the job reference 21812
Further information If you have any queries about completing the application form, the terms of employment, the recruitment process or you need any further information about the vacancy you are encouraged to contact: samantha.lancet-grant@justice.gov.uk
Level of security checks required
Security Clearance (SC)
To apply for roles in MOJ you will need to confirm your employment history for at least 3 years prior to the date of application so that pre-employment checks (BPSS) can be undertaken. If you have spent significant time abroad (a total of 6 months in the past 3 years) you would be required to give a reasonable account of the reasons why.
For some roles you will be required to successfully complete National Security Vetting at Counter Terrorism (CTC), Security Clearance (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV) level as a condition of appointment. To meet CTC/SC/DV requirements you will normally need to have been resident in the UK for at least 3/5/10 years prior to the date of application (The level of checks that are required are stated in the advert).
If you do not meet the above requirements, you may still be considered if, for example:
- You've been serving overseas with HM Forces or in some other official capacity as a representative of HM Government
- You were studying abroad
- You were living overseas with parents
In such cases you will need to be able to provide referee cover for the period(s) of residence overseas. The duration of overseas residence and the country of abode will also be taken into account.
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